Some Native Americans believed that the key to a good dream was a dream catcher.
A dream catcher is a woven hoop that, according to Native American lore, lets good dreams pass through to anyone sleeping below it. Bad dreams, however, become entangled in the hoop's web of strings. Regardless of whether dream catchers really work, a homemade dream catcher can be a unique and beautiful conversation starter in any room. Before beginning your dream catcher, look at some online or in stores to get an idea of the variety and possibilities.
Materials
Consider whether you would like your dream catcher to look as if it were an authentic dream catcher from the past or a modern one with thematic colors and ornamentation. This will help you determine the materials you will use. You make an authentic dream catcher from a thin green stick that you can bend into a hoop. Suede straps or twine add to the realistic look, along with homemade beads and real feathers. A more artsy dream catcher will use a purchased wooden hoop or metal ring, cord, beads and feathers.
Wrapping the Hoop
Begin by wrapping the hoop. You wrap a traditional hoop in leather. For other dream catchers, you can use cord, fur, fabric or foil twine from a craft store. First, fasten the wrap to the hoop with high-quality craft glue. Then, being careful not to twist the material, wrap it tightly around the hoop. You can achieve various effects with the wrapping. For example, well-placed or evenly spaced gaps can add to an authentic look or enhance an artistic design.
Simple Design
Feathers and beads are often part of a dream catcher's decorations.
Cut four cords. The length of each cord should be four times the diameter of the hoop. Use a lark's head knot to attach one cord at each of the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions on the hoop. String a bead on each of the eight ends and push it against the hoop. Tie a square knot with the cords at each of the four clock positions. Add another bead to each cord. Pull the right-hand cord from the 12 o'clock position diagonally along with the left-hand cord from the 3 o'clock position. Use these two to tie another square knot and add beads to each of the cords. Proceed around the hoop in the same manner, keeping the knots at an equal distance from the hoop's center. Depending on the size of the hoop, continue creating layers of square knots and beads until you reach the center.
Finishing
After you reach the center, gather all of the cords and tie them into a large knot. Pull five of the strands through to the back of the dream catcher. Let three hang below the hoop and decorate them with beads if you like. Let the other two strands fall from the knot to hang below the hoop. Trim the remaining cords, gluing the shortened strands to the knot on the back of the dream catcher. Further decorate the dream catcher with feathers. Glue a short length of cord to the top to make a hoop for hanging.
Related posts
Dream catchers originated with the Ojibwa tribe.Native Americans once hung dream catchers over sleeping children to prevent nightmares. Legend has it that the bad dreams would get tangled in the w...
Create pleasant dreams with a dream catcher for kids.Native American lore used dream catchers to trap bad dreams and help bring good dreams to those who had them hanging nearby as they slept. Acco...
Native Americans first made dream catchers.Preschoolers often have bad dreams that they can't shake; if your child is one of these, help them conquer their bad dreams by helping them make a dream...
Dream catchers promote good dreams, warding off nightmares.Native American traditions state that a dream catcher hung above the door, window or bed will keep dreams safe by catching bad dreams, on...
Dreamcatchers are said to stop nightmares for children.According to Native American lore, dream catchers catch bad dreams in their webbing while allowing good dreams to pass through to the person...
